Now I understand why writers find it interesting to see people speculations and reactions for their story after reading my inbox and your reviews.

Firstly, a big THANK YOU for your kind words! If only I can only cook a meal to each and every one of you. Or throw a cookie at my screen.

I won't spoil (obviously) but I need to clarify your comments. To no one in particular, here's a summary:

Just because Reimu was able to get Remilia, she isn't done with her. Reimu has 2 kinds of work from the beginning:

1: What to do with the current relationship with a target (example: Remilia) that has the objective achieved

2: Getting the other girls' sealed hearts (for example: Aya, Sanae).

Both of them has to occur simultaneously, which is something Reimu have to find a balance like all things should be. (Thanos approved this!)

Lastly...

All I can say is that don't treat this story like a straightforward harem, or a definite pairing between Reimu with someone. Reimu was always seen to be with so many girls, something only a few characters in Touhou has this honour. I've yet to see a proper and deep story exploring this concept with Reimu completely. That's actually where my motivation and ideas come in that I decided to write and share here!

With this, let's see how our heroine is going to handle the new challenges as she truly began her role as the Hakurei Shrine Maiden of Gensokyo.

Chapter 14: The Beginning of a Former Role

By the time the new sun rises in Gensokyo, the news that both of them got together spread with intense wildfire all over campus.

All the girls, mostly students, glared at Reimu as if she was the villain. After all, it wasn't that long ago that she was known for being close with Aya Shameimaru during the Night Festival.

Yet, the young couple in love didn't care for such trivial matters. What concerned them was that they loved each other and they were willing to help and support one another for their lives. Although public displays of affections were frowned upon in the town, anyone seeing them together would tell that these two were in a relationship far beyond ordinary fans.

Naturally, Reimu was satisfied with the outcome of that evening.

Despite the good news, not all was fine by the Shrine Maiden of Paradise. After all, work wasn't done just because she got Remilia. Next step was where the real challenge began.

Cafeteria.

The Shrine Maiden of Paradise met a certain gloomy woman.

She was all alone as all the ones nearby her earlier ran away since the gloomy atmosphere was too choking to withstand.

Reimu expected Aya to react better. Never did she expect such a gentle person to crumble and fall so easily. Now the tengu wore a gloomy expression daily that it got her fans quite agitated, trying their best to cheer her up but to no avail. Even their classes were deeply affected by such a constant negative aura in the room.

The shrine maiden went to the opposite seat, carrying her lunch.

Reimu maintained a sweet smile. "You don't mind me eating here with you?"

Aya didn't reply and remained with her head down between her folded arms on the table. Reimu took it as a yes and simply plopped down on the chair and ate peacefully. As much as possible, she tried to maintain a relaxed expression but the aura was a bit overwhelming.

Meanwhile, the gentle eyes the tengu placed were tender and dark, one that was heartbroken.

Aya stared longingly at her former crush. "Reimu, I don't understand."

Reimu paused on her eating, "What is it?"

"Remilia has a fiance. She probably wouldn't be able to provide everything you need. Whereas I can get whatever you want."

The shrine maiden frowned.

"That's not why I liked her. No matter who Remi is, I can still support myself."

The tengu winced at the nickname her friend had given. She realised that the wall between her and the one she loved has gotten impossibly huge to break through since that day. It was a reality she was struggling to accept.

"But… but…"

Words stuck on her desperate mouth to let out anything that she could.

Slamming the utensils on the bowl, Reimu picked up her tray. "Perhaps it's time for you to open your eyes Aya."

Her disapproving look etched on Aya's memory. She had never expected to see the day Reimu would look at her in such a negative way.

Aya got up and sighed. "B-be careful of Satori. She hasn't been in school for quite some time."

With a very dejected tone, she added, "If you need me anytime… you can always come back to me."

Reimu hesitatingly replied, "Thank you. Also, for the medical expenses you paid for me back then, I'll pay you back some time."

I'm sorry Aya. You will get your time in the future… just be a bit more patient like you always do.

The tengu wanted to shake her head and said no. But seeing her friend's insistent expression, she held back. Does she want to cut their only remaining bond to meet each other?

Aya promptly left, making Reimu relieved. She realised that with the gloomy atmosphere gone, her shoulders which had been tensed the entire time could relax.

Looking at the still dejected tengu's back, the shrine maiden reminded herself of the current situation she has done to herself.

She was now officially Remilia's girlfriend since that evening.

She cannot simply stop here and be satisfied. She has to move on and somehow get Aya next. Or maybe Sanae. What it takes would be time and opportunity for her to make the correct move towards these 2 known targets.

But what can she do? She has decided on that night that she cannot be like before.

This, officially, for now, she's the Scarlet Devil's girlfriend and lover, and that would be the current role she has decided to play in this world.

One day during work.

A cup of tea suddenly fell on the kitchen floor, breaking it into many pieces.

"Reimu! Reimu! Are you alright?"

The manager of the cafe called out to the red shrine maiden in a uniform worriedly.

"I… I…" Reimu turned to the manager, her voice slightly wavering. "Sorry, Madam. I have to go. My mother's condition suddenly gotten worse."

The manager knew her situation and understood completely. Waving her hand, she ordered other staff to clean the mess, "Go quickly, take as long as you need to return to work soon."

Reimu profusely gave her thanks.

The manager smiled. Reimu was one of her best staff members of the cafe. Efficient yet hardworking. It was unfortunate that she didn't have a great background.

Reimu quickly changed her uniform to her casual clothes, picked up her bag and quickly left the cafe.

It was all too sudden.

Her mother's sickness suddenly broke out into the worst situation. Luckily, her neighbour was there on time to call for an ambulance.

While in the bus, Reimu sent a simple text message to Remilia that wouldn't be home tonight and probably be away for some time.

She headed towards one of the hospitals where her mother often visits for appointments and frequent check-ups. With her numerous subsidies and assistance, she was able to get her mother to receive the utmost best care that she could have for her condition. Which was why they were able to survive independently with just both of them for so many years.

But now, her plans have to be set aside as she cannot ignore this one thing. She simply cannot neglect the memories and care her mother had placed for her for all this time.

Pushing the door to the patient's room, Reimu softly walked in, not wanting to disturb anyone.

"Mother?"

There was no response.

Still, Reimu softly crept into the room. She reached her mother's bed and sat down on the only chair beside it.

She could only stare at the sleeping body with a worried look. A pale old woman with wrinkles was lying peacefully on the soft bed. If it wasn't for the various machinery around it, anyone would have thought that she was already dead.

Various memories came to her all of a sudden in regards to this person.

Minako Hakurei.

Minako suffered from a long term sickness and had already been in this condition for a few years. When it happened, it caused their living situation and family dynamic to change suddenly as she wouldn't be able to support both of them. Instead, Reimu, as soon as she was eligible to work at 15 legally, looked for jobs to carry all the heavy burden.

She had learned through all those five years of hard work and trials, not hanging out with friends or having any leisure at all. It was all work and school all day.

Reimu recalled all the shabby dormitories and rental rooms they went through, before settling peacefully to the current situation.

Because she hardly got to see Minako thanks to her busy schedule, they got somewhat distant.

The back of her mind was tingling when some thoughts came across her.

Was Minako real? Or was she a person created in this world to serve her role and fit in this new version of Gensokyo?

Maybe her time spent with her mother wasn't probably real. Maybe they were just placed for her along with these affection and family love. But that didn't mean that Reimu could just ditch her just like that.

It all felt too real that it's quite unbelievable that they were mere fabrications of the work of somebody or something.

Shaking her head, Reimu closed her eyes and placed both hands on her cheeks.

"What am I thinking?" the 20-year old woman muttered. "She's my mother now and that's what is the reality now."

Now she has a sudden cerebral haemorrhage and I need a lot of money for the craniotomy.

(AN: Internal bleeding due to blood bursting I think? Random googling but fitting for the situation)

The shrine maiden wondered where she could get the money for the remaining amount needed after all the subsidies. All of the savings she had still wasn't enough for this kind of operation. And she already owed Aya for her hospitalization too.

As the low humming sounds of the machine continue recording Minako's vitals, Reimu could only helplessly watch over her mother and decide on what would be the next step she should make.

The Shrine Maiden of Paradise walked home aimlessly during the whole afternoon as if in a trance. Ignoring everyone and everything that she saw, it was a miracle that Reimu was only able to reach the apartment unit by sunset.

She was about to knock on Remilia's door to inform her situation when suddenly, she heard some quarrels inside. The voices were ones she immediately recognised, Remilia and Satori.

"I already told you many times. I won't come back to that family anymore, " Remilia said coldly.

"Don't you know Remi?" Satori's voice was filled with worry. "Since Auntie Vlad found out about this, you don't even get the money you need anymore. Even for your next month's rent, can you even afford it?"

Remilia smirked, "I can work myself. Reimu and I can work together to support ourselves for our future."

"Auntie Vlad has informed the people around here, they are not allowed to employ you."

"We will see. I have Reimu to help me."

"Remi, you… you..." Satori slammed her hand down on the table in the living room. "Why are you so obsessed with her? Just accept the reality Remi!"

Reimu heard the loud footsteps coming towards the door. So she quickly went to her home and hid behind the door while living a tiny unnoticeable gab. Peeking through the small gap, she could see the red-faced satori with teary eyes glaring sharply at the other person.

The Scarlet Devil was unmoved by her actions.

Reimu could only listen in pity and guilt as she heard more shouting from the satori.

They continued quarrelling through the door, as Remilia stubbornly refused to give in.

She couldn't fault the satori at all. No person could stand to see her betrothed to be with another woman and remain stationary. She just wished she could explain the reason but that would drop the meaning of why the shrine maiden went together with Remilia in the first place.

After some time, Satori left, leaving the vampire alone at the door.

Once she heard the other left the area, Reimu went out.

Remilia was standing outside, staring at the direction where her fiance had just left. She had an indescribable feeling on her face. Was she angry with her? Was she hurt? Or she didn't feel anything about it.

Having these thoughts, Reimu slowly crept towards the vampire.

Hearing the door open, Remilia turned.

"Reimu, you are back?"

The vampire couldn't help but be worried. Her girlfriend hasn't been home for 3 days. All she knew was that there was a family matter Reimu had to settle.

Remilia immediately walked up to her.

"Y-yes Remi. Everything is fine now."

"Really?"

A rare affectionate worried look on the vampire's face startled Reimu.

Reimu wanted to tell her the truth about the money but recalling the earlier quarrel, she restrained herself. She doesn't want to bring more problems to her girlfriend.

"I'm ok. It… can be settled soon."

"Alright."

Remilia displayed a smile. Coming close to Reimu, she reached out her hand and grabbed the other's hand. Feeling its warmth, she brought it up to her lips. An affectionate smile blossomed on the vampire's face as she missed it so much.

"I will be coming back home late tonight," Reimu said softly.

The vampire dropped the hand to around her waist but still held it tightly.

"Is it that weekly night job you have again?"

The shrine maiden nodded.

Reimu had mentioned vaguely to Remilia that she has a night job on top of her being the waitress of the cafe during the day. Naturally, Remilia was worried about such shady work at night.

"Ok, call me if you need anything. I can also pick you up if you want."

"Thank you, Remi."

She could only grimace at that rather uncomfortable workplace at night.

The pair remained outside for a while in the apartment corridor as the sun slowly dimmed across the horizon.